The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1887-07-24
The Harlem River Improvement.

Nino years ngo Congress, In the act OF
Juno 1s, 1878, appropriated 100000 for con-
structing ship canal between the Hudson
and Harlem Rivers. This sum was Increased
the following spring to 100000, both appro-
priations being mado subject to provision
that the right OF way should DO secured TO
the United States free Of cost. That condi-
ton, although emlncntly proper, consider
ing that the Federal Government had en-
gagged to bear tho main expense OF the new
waterway, proved source OF delay, when
has lasted until the present summer. when
the proposed route had been fixed by surveys
OF the army engineers, adjacent land own
ers declined to surrender right OF way
without compensation. Tho State Legls-
lature came to the rescue by providing for
tho acquisition of tho required lands under
the action OF Commissioners But when the
Commissioners laid their report before the
Supreme Court more opposition was encoun-
tered, and efforts were made TO have the re-
port set aside. At last however, toward the
close OF the year 1886, all obstacles OF this
sort were removed, and now the engineers,
under the direction OF Lieut-Col. McFAR-
LAND, are examining the route agreed upon,
to SEQ what amount Of excavation and other
work will be required
Spuyten Duyvil Creek already furnishes
natural connection between the two rivers;
but it is too narrow and crooked to be fol-
lowed throughout for ship canal. The
plan adopted Is to cut across Dyckmans
Meadows to a point on the creek from which
the latter can be easily widened and
Strengthened to the Hudson. During the
present month careful inspection OF this
proposed cut has been made, with horings at
different points. These borings will deter
mine where a rock bottom exists at q suitable
depth, where blasting will be required, and
where precautions must be taken against
the washing away Of the earth when the
tides pess through the canal.
After this preliminary work is completed,
1t will be possible to estimate more exactly
the prospective cost. The original supposi-
ton was that the expense OF making tho
broad cut through the meadows. and OF i'm
proving the natural waterways used, would
be less than 100000; but perhaps before
the whole work is finished, with suitable ap-
proaches, the cost may be nearer $4,000 oo
Whatever the expense, the value OF the
improvement in increasing the trade facili-
lies Vi Iuo CIllcl CoLlllSiSial CAty Va VIC
country will amply justify the outlay. The
first effect will be to make Manhattan Island
completely circumnavigabls. The canal
will be four hundred feet wide through the
greater part Of its course, 80 allowing ample
room for the largest vessels to pass each
other. Much Of the traffic In barges and other
craft now conducted between the North
River and the Sound. making the circuit Of
the Battery, will be able to take this new
short cut. A vast amount Of available water
front will also be added to the city. The
grain trade, lumber trade, and others will
find new stretch Of tide water open to
them, while manufacturing establishments
will avail themselves Of the same facilities.
Marshy areas along the Harlem, now COM
paratively neglected, will be redeemed. and
add greatly to taxable values. 1t Is believed,
Also that the healthfulness Of the region
will be increased, since the tidal action forth
and back through the canal will make an
admirable drainage.
Before the present season closes, the pre-
liminary inspection will have been carried
fur enough to authorize calling for proposals.
and the practical work Of excavation can be
pushed with vigor next year.